In the bustling lanes of Surat's Parvat Patiya, Parshuram Desale's day begins before dawn at his modest roadside biryani stall. Here, he earns a daily wage of about Rs 500 to sustain his family. But as evening descends, this 41-year-old transforms from a vendor into a national sporting sensation, defying physical and financial constraints to excel in international wheelchair cricket.
From Street Crawls to Staggering Centuries
Desale's tryst with cricket began in childhood, albeit under challenging circumstances. Stricken by polio at the age of four, he adapted his love for the game. "I used to crawl in the streets while playing cricket," Desale recalled in an interview. As he grew, he played with the support of crutches and encouraging friends who never saw his disability as a barrier.
His relentless spirit reached a pinnacle on December 10, 2025, in Bhopal. Playing for India in the T20 International Wheelchair Cricket Tournament, the Umang Cup, Desale delivered a performance for the ages. Facing Sri Lanka, he smashed an astonishing 152 runs off just 66 balls. His blistering knock included 31 boundaries and registered a phenomenal strike rate of 230.
A Clean Sweep and a Bagful of Accolades
Desale's heroics were central to the Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team (WCT) securing a clean sweep in the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka. Serving as the team's vice-captain, he emerged as the undisputed star of the tournament. His remarkable consistency earned him the Man of the Series and Best Batsman of the Series awards. He was also named Man of the Match in two of the three games.
His contributions weren't limited to batting alone. Demonstrating his all-round prowess, Desale also chipped in with six crucial wickets across the series. "Desale is among the finest all-rounders in international wheelchair cricket. There are very few tournaments where he does not score a century," praised Manish Sharma, coach of the Indian WCT.
Navigating Challenges On and Off the Field
The journey to this point has been fraught with obstacles. While he plays cricket in a wheelchair, Desale navigates his workday on crutches. Persistent financial hardship loomed large until coach Dhansukh Patel stepped in. "Due to my financial condition, I had no option, but then Dhansukh Patel came forward for coaching and provided a ground, kit to play, and support for transport as well," Desale shared gratefully.
Patel, recognizing raw talent and determination, has been a pillar of support. "Desale's dedication is inspirational for other Divyang cricketers. There is no strong support system for Divyang sportspersons, so I try my best to ensure they get opportunities according to their talent," the coach stated.
The sport itself has adaptations to ensure thrilling play. In wheelchair cricket, the boundary is set at a maximum of 54 metres from the pitch's centre, and the pitch is nearly four metres shorter than the standard 20-metre strip used in conventional cricket.
Behind this champion stands a resilient family. His parents, watchman Devidas and Ramabai, his wife Kaveri, son Devendra, and daughter Bhavya form his unwavering support system, taking immense pride in his extraordinary achievements. Parshuram Desale's story is not just about runs and wickets; it's a powerful testament to human resilience, proving that passion can triumph over the most daunting odds.
